North East Green MSP backs union’s campaign for full maternity pay for all female firefighters
SCOTTISH Green MSP for North East Scotland, Maggie Chapman, has backed calls from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) to extend the current arrangement for maternity leave to 52 weeks full maternity pay for all women firefighters.
Fire services in the West Midlands, Berkshire, Kent, Greater Manchester, Devon and Somerset, South Wales and London have introduced a policy where all women firefighters will be eligible for 52 weeks of fully paid maternity leave.
Scotland’s provision sits at only 18 weeks.
Ms Chapman said: “Forcing women to return to work too soon could potentially affect both their own health and that of their child.
“I urge the Scottish Government to meet with the women section representatives of the Scottish Fire Brigades Union to discuss introducing similar arrangements here.
“It is unacceptable that the maternity leave provision in fire services across the UK is so inconsistent. However, this is also a problem across Scotland’s public sector. The provision offered by Aberdeen City Council and that of Edinburgh are good examples of this.”
Aberdeen City Council offers 90 per cent of average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks. By comparison, City of Edinburgh Council offer 14 weeks at normal pay. Conditions and qualifications vary across local authorities.
Ms Chapman added: “Women and their families must be treated fairly no matter where they live.
“This is exactly what FBU are asking for firefighters in Scotland. I hope the Scottish Government will listen and act fast to correct this. And I hope we can work together to improve maternity pay across the public sector.”
